Social media like tumblr, twitter as well as popular culture platforms such as press, tv and film, are reinstating the past. Of late the phenomenon of a younger generation “worshiping” film stars, musicians, writers, lifestyles and values from previous decades, as well as “living” their era by manifesting a different time through appearance and objects of eras that are not part of their personal past, or even that of their immediate ancestors has risen to an interesting extent.

What draws us to the past? Is it an assumption that things used to be better before, or a fear that the world is spiraling to its end as time passes? “Nostalgia Nervosa” aims to examine through the works of Greek and international artists the mystery of fixating on something that we have not experienced ourselves.

The notion of nostalgia, as a longing for a memory we own, is replaced by a manipulation for a past that does not belong to us but seems interesting enough to highlight, worship or mock. This “fake” nostalgia can become an idealistic approach to previous times, or an ironic position against them or simply a vehicle to express our discontent with our present. Is nostalgia simply a defiance of death? [ link ]

The Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Center presents “Contemporary Treasures – Part I”, a group show of Greek and international artists that are mainly concerned with notions of ephemeral luxury and issues of material culture in an era of constant doubt.

The show aims to explore the correlations and contradictions that derive from the juxtaposition of works by artists of different conceptual backgrounds through the usage of various media. [ link ]

The Still House Group was founded in 2007 by Alex Perweiler and Isaac Brest, with the goal to provide emerging artists with an alternate outlet to exhibit. Through assembling a team of young creatives, most of whom chose not to pursue Fine Art as their undergraduate focus, it became clear that there was a need to create a path different than the standard so many emerging artists are pressured to follow.

Throughout its existence, Still House has produced many exhibitions in unorthodox spaces, displaying work by those whose studio practice deviates significantly from that of the average singular artist. From their facility in Red Hook, Brooklyn, they have nine studios, eight for permanent artists, and one for a three-month rotating residency program. The studios are three-walled, allowing for a free exchange of references, techniques, ideas and critiques amongst all artists. This is a creative climate often lost once students have completed their formal education, and Still House finds this an important environment to support and preserve. [ link ]

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A swim with a view of a 140m high fountain spurting skywards and grand hotels along the waterfront. I could only be in Geneva, the city that gives urban swimming a bit of chic.

Not because it sits at the tip of one of Europe's largest lakes, but thanks to the Bains des Pâquis, the top spot for swimming in Geneva. It isn't that big or that posh, but it's the place to be in summer.

It's all about the view, both of the city and your fellow swimmers – this is prime see-and-be-seen territory for everyone, and entry is only about £1.50. This is city swimming with style.

The Bains des Pâquis have been an institution since 1872, though the current art deco incarnation dates from the 30s. What makes them unusual is their location, built on a long breakwater stretching out into the lake.

That gives them enough space for some purpose-built pools, sunbathing decks, a cafe and a small beach for lake swimming. When it gets very busy, people overflow on to the rocks of the breakwater, basking in the sun like a herd of sea lions. [source]

Monday, November 25, 2013

Exarcheia (Greek: Εξάρχεια) is the name of a neighborhood in downtown Athens, Greece. The Exarcheia region is famous as a stomping ground for Greek anarchists. It took the name from a merchant named Exarchos (Greek: Έξαρχος) who opened a large general store there. Exarcheia is bordered on the east by Kolonaki and is framed by Patission Street, Panepistimiou Street and Alexandras Avenue.

Located in Exarcheia is the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the National Technical University of Athens and Strefi Hill. The central square features many cafes and bars with numerous retail computer shops located mainly on Stournari street, also called the Greek Silicon Valley. Located on Exarcheia square is one of the oldest summer cinemas of Athens, called "Vox", as well as the Antonopoulos apartment building, known as the "Blue Building", because of its initial color, which is a typical example of the modernist movement of Greek architecture in the inter war period.

Due to the political and intellectual character of the region, many bookstores, fair trade shops and organic food stores are also located in Exarcheia. Exarcheia is also known for having comic book shops.

The district of Exarcheia was created between 1870 and 1880 at the confines of the city and has played a significant role in the social and political life of Greece. It is there the Athens Polytechnic uprising of November 1973 took place.

Exarcheia is a place where many intellectuals and artists live and an area where many socialist, anarchist, and antifascist groups are accommodated. Police stations and other symbols of authority (and capitalism) such as banks are often targets of far-leftist groups Exarcheia is also an art hub where theatrical shows and concerts take place around the central square. [source]